Guideline 3.1.5 of the WCAG standards refers to reading, and is explained as such: “When text requires reading ability more advanced than the lower secondary education level after removal of proper names and titles, supplemental content, or a version that does not require reading ability more advanced than the lower secondary education level, is available.” This guideline fits with the overall concept of providing users with alternative means for consuming content. When text-based content requires reading skills above the predetermined “lower secondary education level,” another version of the same content should be available for users who cannot read at that level. For users who simply have not developed reading skills to the level necessary for understanding complex content, a text-based alternative version of the content using simpler, more easily understood language can suffice as a viable alternative. For many users, though, reading challenges are not accurately reflected by a simple measurement of reading level. These users are often more than capable of understanding the meaning of complex content, but struggle to read for a variety of reasons unrelated to education level. There are also users who are able to understand content that is read aloud to them, but are unable to read the same content due to a lack of basic literacy skills. The most common reading-related accessibility challenges include learning disabilities, visual impairments, language learning, and illiteracy. For these users, a text-based alternative will not suffice, and audio technology becomes important. Text-to-speech technology allows content providers to offer an entirely text-free alternative to text-based content for users facing accessibility challenges. With a simple click of the mouse, these users can listen to text-based content aloud, avoiding the need to struggle through the difficult, or sometimes impossible, task of reading. For content providers, the benefits are twofold. First, text to speech is a cost-effective, easy to use, highly functional way to meet one of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. In addition, speech-enabled content allows content providers to reach a new, large audience who would have been unreachable with purely text-based content. The benefits of text to speech reach beyond users with accessibility challenges, as well. Some users are perfectly capable of reading and understanding text-based content without difficulty, but simply don’t have the time to sit down and read. These users can use text to speech to listen to text content at their convenience while commuting, working out, or going any other place where they can bring a mobile device. [speech-enabling_websites]